Ngulturm/Chetrum not proper terms to describe our currency notes and coins
One expert on ancient coins of Bhutan, Mr. Wolfgang Bertsch, explains that the term “Ngultrum” is a combination of two words:
Nguel = Silver
Trum = Tangka
The term “Tangka” refers to a Tibetan silver coin that has been coined since the mid 1600’s.
The indigenous Tibetan Kong-par Tangka
They were struck within the country from 1791 to 1891. Earlier versions of the coins known simply as Tangkas were struck in Nepal from 1640.
They were struck within the country from 1791 to 1891. Earlier versions of the coins known simply as Tangkas were struck in Nepal from 1640.
I believe that the term “Chetrum” is also a combination of two words:
Chet = Half
Trum = Tangka
It seems like we made a terrible blunder in the early 1970’s when we adopted the terms “Ngultrum” to denote our paper currency, and “Chetrum” to denote our coins. “Silver Coin” cannot be used to describe a paper currency, and it is impossible to denominate a coin with “Half Coin”. Imagine: 10 CH would actually mean: 10 Half Coins. And, Nu.10.00 would mean: 10 Silver Coins.
The Central Bank - The Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan should immediately consider changing these names - to those that are purely Bhutanese in origin.
There is actually a term “Tikru” that was in use which is understood to mean “Money”. But when I consulted a local expert – Ex-MP Rinchen Dorji of Trongsa, he stated that the word “Tikru” is borrowed from two independent words:
Tikchang + Rupiya = TikRu
Ex-MP Rinchen says that the term finds mention in the “Biography of 13th Druk Desi Sherab Wangchuk”. So the word Tikru would not be appropriate.
What about “Lor”? Remember this term is still in use, as follows:
Chaang Lor
Ngig Lor
Nga Lor
Chuu Lor
Khae Lor
Ja Lor
Tong Lor
What is “Lor”? From the above it obviously means currency Note. So, it is provably proper to term our paper currency as “ShogLor”. Shog ofcoure means “Paper” in Bhutanese (we Khengpas pronounce it: “Shokshog”.
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